With the aim of positioning Malaysia as a hub for medical aesthetic tourism, the Asia Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine Summit (ADAMS), now in its second iteration, was proudly held today at the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur by KO Academy, an internal training facility under DR. KO Skin Specialist (DR. KO). The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Malaysia Society of Aesthetic Medicine (MSAM), the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), and the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) were among the influential participants in the event.
Officiated by Tourism Malaysia’s Director General, Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, ADAMS 2023 was held from September 23 to 24, 2023, at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, attracting over 600 local and international medical experts and industry professionals. The summit featured more than 50 exhibition booths by leading medical brands, solidifying its position as the premier regional event in the fields of dermatology and aesthetic medicine.
In his speech, Ammar highlighted that Malaysia welcomed more than 800,000 healthcare travelers, generating around RM1.3 billion revenue in 2022 alone, underscoring the positive recovery of the country’s healthcare travel industry in the post-pandemic era. “Hence, let us leverage this opportunity to take our medical community to the next level and ADAMS, this year in its second edition, has become an excellent avenue for dermatologists, plastic surgeons, aesthetic doctors, and other specialists to network, exchange knowledge, and discuss the latest trends and technologies.”
A standout event at ADAMS 2023 was the forum titled “Making Malaysia the Regional Destination for Medical Aesthetic Tourism.” The diverse panel included experts and public figures such as Dato’ Dr. Ko Chung Beng (Founder & CEO of KO Academy), Dr. Edmond Lau (President of ADAMS 2023), Dato’ Dr. Khalid Mohd Harun (President of MATA), Dr. Masilamoney Asirvatham (President of MSAM), Ms. Tutie Ismail (Vice President of Communications, MHTC), Dr. Lim Ing Kien, more popularly known as Dr. Ingky (Founder of Medii Skin Studio, Skynfyx, and TikTok Content Creator), and Miss Serene Claire (Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Runner Up, Actress & Influencer).
The forum deliberated on strategies to enhance Malaysia’s global reputation in aesthetic treatments. These strategies included marketing efforts to spotlight Malaysia’s expertise, affordability, and cultural attractions; forging partnerships with international healthcare organizations, universities, and medical associations; and providing financial incentives, tax breaks, or grants to stimulate investment in the medical tourism sector.
Ko mentioned Malaysia’s cost-effective services in his speech saying, “Compared to countries with higher costs of living and greater overheads, Malaysia can offer the same level of expertise and technology but at a fraction of the price. This affordability extends across a wide range of procedures, from non-invasive treatments to more complex surgeries. Patients worldwide are discovering that they don’t need to compromise on quality to achieve their aesthetic goals—Malaysia offers world-class care at a price that makes achieving those goals both feasible and financially sensible.”
The ADAMS 2023 president said, “It is my hope that each session, discussion, and interaction will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, propelling us to new heights in our professional endeavors.” Lau also stated that ADAMS 2023 was not a regular medical conference, highlighting its purpose to achieve the common goal of propelling Malaysia as the region’s destination for medical aesthetic tourism.
Additionally, ADAMS 2023 donated RM12,000 to the Malaysian Skin Foundation (MSF), facilitated multiple symposiums by doctors and specialists, on-ground engagement initiatives, and networking sessions where attendees were provided with a conducive environment to establish direct interactions, build relationships, and explore potential collaborations. Moving forward, ADAMS will continue its contributions to the field of dermatology and aesthetic medicine while offering attendees a more comprehensive and impactful experience at each event, in the years to come.
